Last updated on October 20th, 2025 at 03:39 am
Get ready for Cruisin’ the Coast 2026, the ultimate celebration of classic cars, hot rods, and nostalgia along the stunning Mississippi Gulf Coast! Known as “America’s Largest Block Party,” this annual event draws thousands of vintage car lovers from across the country to experience a week filled with cruising, car shows, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re showcasing your own classic ride or just admiring the stunning vehicles on display, this is the must-attend event for car enthusiasts.
We will provide details on the 2026 event in a few months. Cruisin’ the Coast transforms Highway 90 into a rolling car show, spanning multiple cities like Biloxi, Gulfport, and Ocean Springs. Expect a vibrant mix of classic muscle cars, street rods, antique vehicles, and custom builds, with daily cruise-ins, swap meets, and live music creating a high-energy atmosphere.
From breathtaking beachfront drives to lively casino resorts and local attractions, this event is more than just a car show—it’s a full Gulf Coast experience. Listen to our podcast at the end of this article.
New Record
9,961 VEHICLES FROM 45 STATES, CANADA, GERMANY AND ENGLAND
ATTENDED IN 2024
[Listen to our podcast at the end of the article]
Three auto-related events are held each year along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Scrapin’ the Coast, Jeepin’ the Coast, and in October of each year, Cruisin’ the Coast. By far the largest is Cruisin the Coast. People bring in their treasures for the rest of us to see, touch, and possibly sit inside. One of the nice aspects of the event is that it takes place all across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with events held daily.
Cruisin’ The Coast: The Ultimate Classic Car Event on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Cruisin’ The Coast, known as “America’s Largest Block Party,” is an annual classic car festival that takes place along the stunning Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since its debut in 1996 with just 374 vehicles, the event has grown into one of the top car shows in the U.S., attracting over 10,000 classic cars, hot rods, and antique vehicles from across the country.
This week-long celebration of vintage automobiles offers scenic coastal cruising, exciting entertainment, and plenty of Southern hospitality.
Held every October, the event spans multiple cities, including Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, and Pass Christian, with designated cruise-in locations, swap meets, and live music venues. Car enthusiasts can experience beachfront driving along Highway 90, connect with other collectors, and enjoy special showcases of muscle cars, street rods, and custom builds.
With its family-friendly atmosphere, car auctions, and nostalgic charm, Cruisin’ The Coast is the must-attend car show on the Gulf Coast.
This top-rated classic car event has earned prestigious tourism awards and continues to generate a major economic impact, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Whether you’re showcasing your restored vintage car or just admiring the lineup, Cruisin’ The Coast 2025 promises another unforgettable experience.
🚗 Dream of Restoring Classic Cars? There’s a College for That!
If you—or someone you know—loves classic cars and wants to turn that passion into a career, check this out. McPherson College in Kansas offers the only four-year bachelor’s degree in Automotive Restoration in the United States.
- Hands-on training: engines, bodywork, paint, trim, chassis, electrical — students restore full vehicles from the ground up.
- Backed by legends: Jay Leno funds scholarships and supports the program personally.
- Award-winning results: Students have shown cars at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and taken home trophies.
Know a young gearhead or hobby mechanic? This could be their ticket to a dream career.
Cruisin the Coast 2026
Check back for the calendar of the 2026 events. The calendar is usually available to us in July. Read this article and check back for updates.
The Ocean Springs Sock Hop & Street Party was the place to be. The Ocean Springs Sock Hop and Street Party starts at 5:20 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, October 11. The Caribbean Chiller and Bad Medicine provide musical entertainment. Be there or be square.
Speaking of events, how about a parade held in Long Beach each year? Only registered vehicles can participate. The parade is limited to the first 600 vehicles that show up. Cars will line up after 1:00 at Long Beach High School so you can walk around and see them. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m.
A quick note about why I believe this show and others are held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Accommodations are priced lower than in other similar venues. Traffic flow can be controlled to benefit visitors and locals. Casinos offer entertainment venues. The area is family-friendly with lots of things to do. People are welcoming, and of course, the weather usually cooperates.
2025 Cruisin’ The Coast Schedule
The schedule below is for the most recent Cruisin the Coast event. We are leaving it up until the 2026 calendar is available to give you some idea of the activities.
Download and print the calendar
The most popular car at Cruisin the Coast
More than 2,000 Ford Mustangs were at the Cruisin the Coast event in 2022. Mustangs represented fully 20% of all the cars in the event. A 1964 Mustang Fastback was one of the most popular Mustangs produced, often called the “Bullitt”. A 1969 Mustang Boss 429 was there as well.
If you were there, you may have seen the 1970 Mustang Mach 1 or some of the 1980s Mustangs on display.
Most Expensive Automobile at Cruisin’ the Coast
Believe it or not, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO was displayed at Cruisin’ the Coast 2022. This beautiful red sports car is worth 40 million dollars. It’s owned by a private collector who wishes to remain anonymous.
One of the Oldest Cars at Cruisin the Coast
A 1904 Curved Dash Oldsmobile was the oldest car at the 2022 event. Owned by Bill and Kathy Tompson of Long Beach, Mississippi. This vehicle has a two-cylinder engine producing 4 horsepower. The top speed is 20 miles per hour. This is a rare automobile. Perhaps the Tomsons will return to Cruisin’ the Coast in 2023 so we can see this amazing part of America.
A very big classic auto show
Cruisin’ the Coast is a huge vintage auto show with major features that others do not have. Most of the vehicles are driven around the Gulf Coast for all to see. They parade up and down Beach Blvd (U.S. 90), which makes the show more mobile than just going to a single stationary location.
The Cruisin the Coast events consist of parts of the city being blocked off so pedestrians can walk around the autos. Dozens of great older autos are parked for inspection. One day, the attendees will have their vehicles parked in downtown Ocean Springs, another day in Gulfport, etc.
Entertainment is provided in some venues along with food vendors who sell beer and other delights, which you can enjoy while you walk around. Spend time talking with some of the owners, and they will tell you their stories, such as the time they found the car in a scrapyard.
Vicari Auto Auction
If you would like to participate or just watch the car auction, drop by the Coast Coliseum from 9 AM to 5 PM. There is also a swap meeting at the same location.
People place chairs along the highway to watch
U.S. Highway 90, also known as Beach Blvd, is host to the majority of the events. People place their chairs all along the highway by the sidewalk or on the beach to watch the cars, trucks, and other conveyances drive by. This event is something to see and experience. For those of us with a bit of gray (or lots of it), we can see cars that our parents drove or that we used on our first date. There is a great deal of nostalgia connected with this event.
My favorite cars are some of the roadsters from the 40s, and there are plenty of them to see. Then there are those 1957 Chevrolet two-door treasures. I have seen many of these classic cars in near-pristine condition, and then there are those with blowers, multiple carbs, and lots of mods.
1893 Duryea Motor Wagon
The oldest surviving american gasoline automobile located in the smithsonian
Rooms for Cruzin’ are often booked well in advance, e.g., one year. If you plan to travel and need accommodations, I suggest you book months in advance. Many people gravitate to vacation rental properties because they need space to park their rigs.
Some of the empty lots along U.S. 90 are available to rent for your motorhome or tent. Signs on these properties direct callers to contact numbers.
If you love classic cars
These vehicles are not just a few years old; they are considered vintage. If you love vintage cars, this event is the place to be, not only because of the cars but also because of the beautiful setting near or on the beach. The weather last year was nice, sunny, and warm. Some people need a reason to take a vacation, so this is yours. If you love classic cars, “Cruisin the Coast” 2025 is the place to be.
You may want to buy your vintage car; there are lots for sale here as well. Perhaps you need a part; someone may be able to help with that. If you belong to a car club, you may want to have your club attend the event.
Most of my articles are about serious things such as retirement, taxes, and the like. I wanted to take a break from those articles to write about something fun. I enjoy this event along with the Scraping and Jeeping the Coast events as well. It’s a great feeling to see people out having fun.
Most popular pre-1980 Car
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is often considered one of the most popular and collectible cars built before 1980—especially among American muscle car enthusiasts and collectors.
Why it’s so popular:
- Performance: It came with a high-revving 302 cubic inch V8 engine, built to meet SCCA Trans-Am racing regulations.
- Design: Aggressive styling, racing stripes, and a sporty stance made it an icon of the muscle car era.
- Limited Production: Only around 20,000 were made in 1969 with the Z/28 option.
- Racing Pedigree: It was engineered for road racing and performed well in the Trans-Am series.
Other highly sought-after pre-1980 collector cars:
- 1967–1970 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
- 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda
- 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air
- 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window Coupe
- 1969 Dodge Charger R/T (especially the “General Lee” fame)
- 1955–1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing”
The Camaro Z/28 stands out because of its combination of attainable price (compared to European exotics), availability of parts, and broad enthusiast following. It’s a staple at classic car shows like Cruisin’ The Coast, and values for well-preserved or restored models continue to climb.
The 1932 Ford Coupe, especially the 1932 Ford “Deuce Coupe”, is widely regarded as the most popular collectible car built before 1950—particularly among American car enthusiasts and hot rod collectors.
🔥 Why the 1932 Ford Coupe (“Deuce Coupe”) Is So Popular:
🏁 First Affordable V8 Engine
- The 1932 Ford introduced the Flathead V8, the first mass-produced V8 engine that was both affordable and powerful for its time.
🎨 Hot Rod Culture Icon
- After WWII, the ’32 Ford became the cornerstone of the hot rod movement in Southern California and beyond.
- It was easy to modify, lightweight, and had timeless styling.
📈 Collector Demand
- High-quality originals and restored models fetch six figures at auctions.
- Demand extends to custom-built hot rods and replicas based on the original body.
🎶 Cultural Influence
- Immortalized in songs like “Little Deuce Coupe” by The Beach Boys.
- Featured in movies, posters, and car shows—especially at events like Cruisin’ The Coast.
Notable Variants:
- 3-window coupe (more rare and desirable)
- 5-window coupe
- Roadster and Highboy styles are also popular with builders and collectors.
Honorable Mentions for Pre-1950 Collectible Cars:
| Model | Why Collectible |
|---|---|
| 1936 Auburn 852 Boattail Speedster | Art Deco styling, low production numbers |
| 1948 Tucker 48 | Only 51 made, an innovation ahead of its time |
| 1941 Willys Coupe | Another hot rodder favorite |
| 1930–31 Ford Model A Coupe | Great alternative to the pricier Deuce |
| 1949 Mercury Eight | Technically post-1940s, but iconic among customizers |
The best reason to come to Cruisin the Coast 2025
The people are just like you. People come to the Cruisin the Coast to be in the company of others with a common interest. This is more of a social event than anything else. It’s not just about the cars and trucks. I am not sure it’s not primarily the social aspect that brings people together. When you are tired of talking about politics, school issues, crime, and other topics of the day, you can talk about cars.
More important than discussing cars for many is talking about that time in their lives when a specific car was important or during a life-changing moment. For example, the blue Chevrolet truck below is like the one that my father owned when I was a kid. When I saw it, that was the first memory that was triggered, a time when we went camping in his truck.
I was able to find a car that was similar to my first car. When you see these vehicles, you think about experiences surrounding that car, such as your first date in a car. Some married couples remember driving in their first convertible, which happened to look exactly like the one on display.
This is the real reason that I believe people come to Cruizin the Coast. In addition to your memories, you can discuss those with the car owner, who may have some similar memories.
Most expensive U.S. manufactured car ever sold!
1935 Dusenberg SSJ $22 million (2018)
Y’all come to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Cruzin’ The Coast.
Come and visit our area, the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It’s unlike other beachfront communities. Our beaches are filled with white sand, wide and many, many miles long. We do not have dozens of high-rise buildings on our beaches, so as you drive along, you can see the Gulf of Mexico for your entire drive along the coast (with a short part of the beach where casinos are located). Put away the serious things for a while and join us at the beach.
For those few individuals who like a bit of gaming, you should watch this video before leaving for your favorite casino. Jackpots on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Not to distract from the many hours you will spend admiring cars you would like to take home, you can win a jackpot here. Watch the video and come back here.
The Ocean Springs Cruisin the Coast 2025 event will be bigger.
It seems that each year Cruisin the Coast grows. People need events like this to “get away” from their daily schedules.
The Ocean Springs event was impressive. My wife and I walked around the streets, which were full of beautiful and not-so-beautiful classic cars. The not-so-beautiful is an entire class of cars in what I call “arrested development.” They look like they need paint. I saw cars that my parents drove and cars that I drove when I was a teenager.
The event is not just about cars; it’s an excuse to get out of the house and participate with others in a large social event. You have the opportunity to speak with others from around the country about their hobbies and other topics. It was truly a family affair; the kids loved the cars. Food stalls were scattered around, along with refreshment booths. Restaurants were open along with the pubs.
People were shopping. I know that this was an opportunity to buy my wife a birthday gift from one of our favorite art stores. The weather was excellent; it was about 70 on Saturday morning with clear skies and no appreciable humidity. Like others, I look forward to the Cruisin the Coast 2026 event.
About accommodations
Be sure to book well in advance. Cruisin the Coast is well attended, and even with all of the hotel rooms at casinos, the Coast will get booked up. Consider renting a vacation house. Vacation rentals are also booked in advance. They are a favorite because of the need to park trailers and additional vehicles. A great place to start is Christie’s Gulf Beach Rentals, which offers several properties within walking distance of the beach.
As of May 15, two new properties have come to Christie’s, and Cruzin the Coast is still open for both. Check this one out: https://christiesgulfbeachrentals.com/accommodation/peaceful-meadow/
Be aware
With the change in the economy, some vacation rental properties have been sold or converted to full-year rentals. If you have been using the same property for years, verify that it is still available now, not later. Keep checking as the event nears.
Christie’s has lost a couple of properties to owner sales; however, they have replaced them with new ones. Should you find that your favorite property is off the market or, in the case of Christie’s, booked, you can put your name on Christies waitlist by clicking HERE.
The best part about Christie’s properties is that many have extra room for trailers and additional auto parking. The good thing is that Christie’s is adding new properties, so keep checking back. Consider booking for now before the best properties are booked. Yes, booking one year in advance is a good thing to do. Book now at Christie’s website and receive vacation travel insurance at NO additional cost.
Consider moving to the affordable Mississippi Gulf Coast.
A large number of Mississippi Gulf Coast residents own vintage cars. They came to one of the three auto events and decided to stay. If you are considering the idea of relocation, take a look at the Logan-Anderson, Gulf Coast Realtors website and check out available homes. You will be surprised at how affordable they are, not to mention they are one of the lowest-cost-of-living states. Call us at 228-215-3234.
I love the area, and read one of our most popular blog articles: “Why I decided to retire in Ocean Springs, Mississippi” and “You need to retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast”.
Visit us in 2026
The schedule for 2026 starts in early October for about one week. Check back for the current calendar.
PODCAST
OFFICIAL CALENDAR – CLICK BELOW
The official 2026 Calendar will be published by July 2026, check out the 2025 calendar for a sampling of what to expect in 2026, click below.
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